DEAN LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
MARTIN-HEROLD COLLEGE OF NURSING & HEALTH
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA
THE OPPORTUNITY Mount Mercy University’s Martin-Herold College of Nursing and Health (MHCNH), highly reputed for outstanding undergraduate and graduate education, seeks a forward-looking educator and innovator to assume the Dean role beginning late spring or summer 2019. With 18 full-time faculty, 30 part-time faculty, and over 500 students, the Dean oversees the largest academic unit at MMU. The incoming Dean follows the retiring inaugural MHCNH Dean and long time faculty member, Dr. Mary Tarbox.
MMU | Dean of Nursing Search | 1
UNIVERSITY HISTORY
In response to the community’s need for online degree options, and the evolving landscape of higher education, Mount Mercy launched its first-ever online program in the fall of 2013. Since
Housed on a 40-acre, wooded hilltop in the historic Mound
then, its online offerings have grown to encompass five bachelor’s
View neighborhood in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy
degree programs and two master’s degree programs.
University has evolved into a vibrant intellectual community of the 21st century—providing a range of educational experiences and opportunities tailored to meet the needs of our time.
As Mount Mercy’s graduate programs grew quickly, so did the need for more space. Located just a mile and a half from the main campus, the CRST International Graduate Center opened in 2013
Ninety years ago, the Sisters of Mercy of Cedar Rapids
and is home to nearly 400 students across six master’s-level
saw the need to unite people with opportunity through education.
programs and two doctoral programs. Housed within the Graduate
Their vision—to blend faith and values with liberal arts learning
Center is the Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic—offering
and professional preparation—is the hallmark of a Mercy education
high-quality, low-cost counseling services to the local
and the foundation of Mount Mercy’s success.
community, while providing hands-on, supervised training for
The history of Mount Mercy’s academic excellence and compassionate service dates back to 1928 when the Sisters of
students in the Marriage & Family Therapy graduate program (the only practice-based, accredited program in the state).
Mercy established Mount Mercy Junior College, a two-year college
While constantly growing and adapting to the needs of our time,
for women. The junior college flourished and transitioned to a
Mount Mercy has remained the regional Catholic, Mercy university
four-year college in 1960, granting bachelor’s degrees and
that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages, and faiths
eventually becoming co-ed in 1969. As time passed, Mount
a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover
Mercy added new programs that continued to
knowledge, build community, and lead courageous lives.
reflect its original mission and values.
Traditional residential and transfer students find majors that ignite
Building on its reputation for high-quality, student-focused
their passions—on a welcoming, safe, and vibrant campus that
undergraduate education—and carrying forth its mission to meet
offers rich co-curricular activities and experiences. And, working
the needs of its time—Mount Mercy launched its first master’s
adults, striving to balance careers and families, find undergraduate
degree programs in 2008 and doctoral programs in 2018. The
and graduate programs (on campus and online) that fit their busy
addition of graduate programs and a new core curriculum,
lives and schedules, in competitive fields that drive their
coupled with community-focused programming, positioned the
careers forward.
institution for designation as a university in 2010.
MMU | Dean of Nursing Search | 2
OUR MISSION Mount Mercy is a Catholic university that provides student-focused education in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy and welcomes people of all beliefs to join our community in pursuit of undergraduate and graduate education and compassionate service to those in need. We strive for excellence in accomplishing our mission through four interdependent goals: using reflective judgment, engaging in strategic communication, serving the common good, and promoting purposeful living.
OUR VALUES As members of the Mount Mercy University community, grounded in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy and our Catholic identity, we are committed to: • Lifelong learning and education of the whole person • Pursuit of truth and dignity • Commitment to students • Justice • Gratitude • Hospitality • Service
OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY & MERCY CHARISM Mount Mercy is sponsored by the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, through the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. Built on the Sisters of Mercy’s five critical concerns—earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism, and women—students explore these issues within an educational setting that reaches far beyond the classroom. The university community strives to educate within the Catholic intellectual tradition, welcoming all people to explore truth, wisdom, faith, and reason. Through service learning and volunteer opportunities, students are challenged to take what they learn in the classroom and address the critical concerns in a wide array of projects that benefit their community and the world around them.
MMU | Dean of Nursing Search | 3
UNIVERSITY SNAPSHOT WHO WE ARE • Private, Catholic liberal arts university founded in 1928 • Co-ed, residential campus with 1,800+ students • Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (pop. 130,000) • Undergraduate and graduate education with 45+ areas of study
ENROLLMENT • 1,835 (Fall 2018) • 68% female, 32% male • 15.6% racially/culturally diverse students
BEST COL ’S
GE LE
IOW A
• 82 international students from 39 countries
STUDENT EXPERIENCE • 100% of freshmen receive scholarships • Student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1
MO NE
YM
AG A Z I N E
17 –1 8
• Classes taught by faculty, not TAs
20
A RECOGNIZED LEADER • Named Iowa’s Best College and a Top 100 College in the Country by Time’s MONEY Magazine—based on educational quality, affordability, and alumni success • Named a Top 50 Best Regional Midwest University and Top 30 Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report • Nationally-ranked student Enactus team—using entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world • Award-winning volunteerism and service learning programs—17,500+ volunteer hours last year
• Strong academic assistance, internship, research, and career development programs • 74% of traditional, graduating students participate in some form of experiential learning • 33% of traditional undergraduates are student-athletes
FACULTY • 84 full-time faculty, 84 part-time • 63% of faculty hold a terminal degree in their fields • Fulbright fellowship winners
ALUMNI • 96% of alumni are employed or start graduate school within nine months of graduation • An alumni network 14,500+ strong with more than half in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor
MMU | Dean of Nursing Search | 4
ACADEMICS More than 45 areas of study are organized into eight academic departments—serving traditional residential, transfer, and working adult students: Business Communication, Literature & Arts Education History, Politics & Justice Natural & Applied Sciences Nursing Philosophy & Religious Studies Psychology, Sociology, Social Work & International Studies
EIGHT IN-DEMAND GRADUATE PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED: Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ) Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Master of Strategic Leadership (MSL) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT)
THE UNIVERSITY ALSO OFFERS 10 ONLINE PROGRAMS: Applied Management Business Human Resource Management Management Marketing Health Care Administration RN to BSN Religious Studies Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Master of Business Administration (MBA)
MMU | Dean of Nursing Search | 5
STUDENT & CAMPUS LIFE At Mount Mercy, students of all ages and interests come together to create an active, welcoming campus community bound by a heartfelt commitment to succeed in the classroom, build rewarding lives and prosperous careers, and truly make a difference in the world. Mount Mercy offers 18 intercollegiate sports within the Heart of America Athletic Conference through the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). More than one-third of the university’s traditional undergraduate population are student-athletes. Opened in September 2017, the $16 million Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex provides a permanent home field for all six of the University’s outdoor sports.
FAST FACTS • More than 30 registered student organizations • 18 varsity athletic teams and numerous intramural opportunities • Tutoring, writing, counseling, and study skills assistance • Research opportunities, Annual Scholarship Festival, and an Honors Program • Daily mass, residential chaplain, and a campus ministry program welcoming of all faiths
MMU | Dean of Nursing Search | 6
2016–2020 STRATEGIC PLAN:
MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR TIME A bold and exciting Strategic Plan for Mount Mercy is in place, fostering an enduring commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our time. Specific objectives exist within four areas of importance: • Significant Enrollment Growth • Leveraging Learning Experiences • Engaging All in Our Compelling Story • A Great Place to Learn, Work & Live
To learn more, visit mtmercy.edu/strategic-plan.
MMU | Dean of Nursing Search | 7
CEDAR RAPIDS ALSO OFFERS:
ABOUT CEDAR RAPIDS & THE CREATIVE CORRIDOR Located just 70 miles from the Mississippi River in Eastern Iowa, Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work, and play in the Midwest. Only 30 minutes from Iowa City, it’s also positioned
• An ever-growing shopping scene, fabulous restaurants, award-winning wineries and breweries, and endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts • Professional sports—baseball, arena football, hockey, and soccer • A hub for arts and culture—Paramount Theatre, Theatre
conveniently and centrally between six of the Midwest’s major
Cedar Rapids, Orchestra Iowa, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre,
metropolitan areas: Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee,
U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, National
Minneapolis, Omaha, and St. Louis.
Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, African-American
A growing, progressive, and vibrant city, Cedar Rapids is surrounded by thriving suburban communities. The greater Cedar Rapids area offers unique attractions, exciting events, specialty shopping, quaint neighborhoods, a dynamic art scene, outdoor adventures, and a large variety of restaurant and nightlife options. As Iowa’s second-largest city (population est. 130,000),
Museum of Iowa, Mother Mosque of America, the popular Czech Village and NewBo areas, Brucemore (Iowa’s only National Trust historic site), and much more • Low unemployment and dynamic education, health care, and social services sectors • A home to many Fortune 500 companies including
Cedar Rapids also anchors Iowa’s Creative Corridor—a strategic,
Rockwell Collins, AEGON, General Mills, Cargill, Quaker Oats,
seven-county alliance dedicated to economic progress, workforce
Archer Daniels Midland, Nordstrom, and hundreds
development, and fostering a culture of innovation.
of manufacturing firms and businesses
To learn more about Cedar Rapids, visit GoCedarRapids.com.
MMU | Dean of Nursing Search | 8
JOB DESCRIPTION DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES
• demonstrate a leadership approach that values creative vision along with focused attention to accreditation criteria, while providing the needed administrative oversight of personnel, curriculum, students, budgets, and other essential
Mount Mercy University’s Nursing program, highly reputed for
components of a large and dynamic academic unit
outstanding undergraduate and graduate education, seeks a
• envision and collaboratively implement programs and
forward-looking educator and innovator to assume the Dean role beginning late spring or summer 2019. The incoming Dean follows
services to address emerging health care and education
the retirement of the inaugural MHCNH Dean and long time faculty
needs including public health challenges and underserved
member, Dr. Mary Tarbox.
populations in rural or urban areas • implement and promote academic programs, evaluate
Mount Mercy’s mission of academic excellence and the heritage
program effectiveness, and assess ideas and opportunities for
of the founding Sisters of Mercy underlie an ongoing commitment
change and significant enrollment growth
to preparing skilled, caring professionals to meet the needs of our time. With consistently high NCLEX pass rates, favorable
• promote cross-disciplinary collaboration within the
accreditation reviews, and a newly developed Doctor of Nursing
University and partnerships with the local and regional
Practice (DNP) and related programs, prospects are bright for
healthcare community.
continued strength and growth of the University’s Nursing and
• utilize a collaborative, flexible and transparent leadership style
Health programs.
that supports team building and promotes the accountability required in effective professional programs
Designation as the Martin-Herold College of Nursing and Health builds on a comprehensive structure that includes BSN, RN-BSN
• effectively represent faculty and staff in the Martin-Herold
degree completion, Master of Science in Nursing, and newly
College to the administration, while also communicating
initiated DNP programs along with other Health Care majors for
University perspectives or decisions
traditional and adult learners. A substantial endowment gift has
• engage in grant and fund development activities on behalf of
provided the foundation for transitioning to a College structure as
the Martin-Herold College
part of an evolving strategic vision. The Martin-Herold College of Nursing and Health is the first college formed within Mount Mercy
• promote an environment of diversity, equity and excellence
University and with over 500 students serves as an example of
• demonstrate the excellent communication, interpersonal,
growth and excellence. The Dean of the College reports directly to
collaboration, planning, management, and evaluation skills
the Provost in this twelve-month position and is expected to lead the
and commitments critical to success as a Dean
nursing and health programs under the umbrella academic affairs strategy of being excellent, efficient, and entrepreneurial.
• bring successful experience with teaching and learning methods in Nursing and Health fields, along with an
A SUCCESSFUL DEAN WILL:
understanding of alternate modes of delivery (e.g. classroombased, online, accelerated, blended, low residency)
• cast a compelling vision for academic excellence, efficiency, entrepreneurship and community involvement for the faculty
• possess a knowledge of and a strong commitment to the
and staff of the Martin-Herold College of Nursing and Health
values of Mercy and Catholic higher education, and the mission and heritage of the Sisters of Mercy
• guide faculty at all levels to enhance the superior Nursing instruction for which Mount Mercy University is known
(continued)
MMU | Dean of Nursing Search | 9
JOB DESCRIPTION DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES (CONT’D) • demonstrate understanding of faculty and academic staff
FACULTY It is essential that the Dean create an environment in which the faculty can flourish in teaching, advising, scholarship, and service. The Dean will provide leadership that fosters effective
recruitment, retention, and professional development principles
and innovative pedagogy, strong clinical and community
and practices
engagement, and ongoing professional growth. Shaping a
• have a demonstrated ability to develop and execute plans for the College that also advance the University’s strategic goals and objectives • possess a reputation of impeccable integrity • implement the University strategic plan which calls for significant enrollment growth while leveraging student learning experiences and providing a great place to live and work
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: • have doctoral level preparation in Nursing or a closely related field, with at least 5 years of experience in a comparable role or 8-10 years of progressive growth in leadership responsibilities
culture of excellence and inclusion, the Dean will lead the effort to hire and retain talented full time, adjunct, and clinical faculty in Nursing and Health fields.
STUDENTS The Dean will provide leadership resulting in an exceptional academic experience for all students in the College (traditional first-time or transfer, undergraduate adult, graduate, and online), as well as a positive introductory experience for prospective students, by maintaining highly effective learning environments, support services, traditions, program policies, and advising systems.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP An entrepreneurial approach will enable the Dean to launch new programs, delivery mechanisms, or other innovations that meet
• bring an academic record sufficient to warrant a faculty
the emerging needs of students, faculty, and community. The
appointment in Nursing or a closely related health field,
Dean will support faculty entrepreneurship and evaluate new
including demonstrated success as a faculty member
programmatic and curricular ideas in collaboration with faculty
• maintain licensure or have the ability to obtain Iowa certification
as well as administration.
STEWARDSHIP & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & LEADERSHIP AGENDA LEADERSHIP AND PLANNING The Dean will articulate a vibrant academic vision for the
The Dean will provide sound resource management, and through stewardship as well as revenue generation assure continued delivery of high quality educational offerings that address the current and emerging needs for Nursing and Health education.
ASSESSMENT
Martin-Herold College of Nursing and Health, promoting a
A culture of assessment that demonstrates student learning
culture that values academic excellence, student success,
outcomes and prioritizes fulfillment of accreditation standards for
innovation, service to the University and community, and
the undergraduate and graduate Nursing education is vital to the
compassion. Academic initiatives will reflect a strong
College’s future. The Dean will assure ongoing success in meeting
commitment to cultivating exceptional student learning, diversity
the criteria for continuing accreditation (Iowa Board of Nursing,
and equity, and sound stewardship of resources. Accountable for
AACN/CCNE), including required documentation and reporting.
a wide range of programs as well as professional staff, the Dean will provide strategic leadership and implement practices that
(continued)
further College and University academic priorities. MMU | Dean of Nursing Search | 10
JOB DESCRIPTION PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & LEADERSHIP AGENDA (CONT’D) COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Establishing and strengthening relationships with eastern Iowa and regional health care providers, agencies, organizations, and individual leaders is a key part of the Dean’s role. Contributing to the community while also establishing partnerships on behalf of
APPLICATION PROCESS The Martin-Herold College of Nursing and Health Search Advisory Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately with the goal of finalizing an appointment with a late spring or summer start. The Provost, Dr. Tim Laurent, is available for confidential inquiries and conversation. Contact him at tlaurent@mtmercy.edu
the University and College is especially important in a competitive
or 319-368-6482.
and changing healthcare environment, and Mount Mercy’s strong
Applicants should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae,
reputation in the field is an asset.
a statement of leadership philosophy, and contacts for four professional references. Application material should be sent to Tom Doermann, Director of Human Resources, at hr@mtmercy.edu. Mount Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Men and women of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Mount Mercy University is a smoke-free campus.
MMU | Dean of Nursing Search | 11